two hiding spots

Hi, so I have never posted on here before. We just got a ball python so I hope my questions don't sound too stupid. Our friend gave her to us and he really didn't do much research before he did. We got her 2 days ago and she went to the vet today and all was well (and we found out she is female). Right now she is in a 10 gallon tank (good I think?) with "bark blend" (looks like that is acceptable but is there something you think is better?), one thermometer (will be getting another one to regulate the "warm side" tomorrow), a light for heat (not bright), a water dish that I am concerned is too small (it is made to look like a rock around the outside and it is definitely too small for her to get into should she want/need to), and a hiding place that looks like a rock as well, which is on the cool side of the cage.

- Anything you would use over "bark blend"?
- She should have 2 hiding places, on on the warm side and one on the cool side correct? I think they should be the same on both sides? Is plastic better? If I put a plastic or rock-looking hiding spot on the warm side, will the lamp heat it too much and potentially burn her? (this concerns me a lot)
- Tongs for feeding? Where can I get these/what kind?
- A slightly bigger/better water dish? Maybe just a low glass bowl-- what do you think?
- Under the cage warmer-- necessary? We live in an apartment with a flat rate for rent, and now because it is winter and I am cold all of the time we keep it about 80 degrees. So I have been watching the temp in the cage and it has stayed around 75 - 85 on the cooler side.

She is small, I guess still a "baby" just judging by other pictures I have seen.

I want to do this RIGHT, and take care of her 100% correctly. I have spent the last 3 hours reading up on ball pythons but I would still rather hear the answers to these questions from actual bp owners like yourselves. Any advice you can give before I go shopping would be GREATLY appreciated!

PS: Sorry this got a lot longer than I intended and the title doesn't make that much sense anymore but I can't figure out how to edit it!

Hi,

Have you had a read through the caresheet yet? It has a lot of good info and might also provoke more questions.

And :welcome: to the site. :)


dr del

Definitely read through Dr. Del's link to the site caresheet. The primary two pieces that I would recommend adjusting are to ditch the heat light for a heat mat with a thermostat (it's coldest at night when the light needs to be turned off, anyway) and get a warm-side hide (you don't want her to have to choose between heat and security). Heat lights/CHEs are really only needed if your ambient temperatures are low, which yours isn't. The heat mat will provide a "hot spot" that gives her a temperature gradient for digestion, etc. However, you absolutely need a thermostat or dimmer (rheostat) to control the heat mat from getting too hot. I recommend the Ultratherm heat pad from Reptile Basics.

And Welcome!

be careful with bark blends as some species of tree's bark contains oils that are toxic to reptiles....I prefer cypress or eco earth.

Make sure you have a thermoSTAT to regulate the heat pad.

Okay I have now read EVERYTHING. So this is what I was thinking (I still feel a little confused so feedback please):

- Aspen for the bedding.
- 2 Acurite thermometers (picking up from Walmart tomorrow)
- A zoo med repti therm under the tank heater but only for 1/2 of the tank
- Thermostate for the UTH of course

Also thinking about getting a zoo med repti shelter for the second hide. and to increase humidity. Has anyone used this? Should I put it on the hot side of the cage or the cooler side (I know this is probably crazy but I am so worried about boiling or burning my snake)

Also, simple tips to increase humidity?? Right now its low which is bad. :(

Thank you all for your kind replies. I am just very very nervous and I want this to go well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Annarose15

I recommend the Ultratherm heat pad from Reptile Basics.

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Can you let me know why I might want to get this instead of a repti therm one? I don't have a strong opinion either way, but the repti therm I can just pick up from the store.

You need a heat source sooner than later. That said Ultratherm are better made than most and have a much lower max temp. This ultimately is safer if a pad cannot get dangerously hot if the thermostat fails.

Personally I hate accurites no more accurate than the other cheap digital units out there larger more expensive and I dislike having batteries inside with snake. I use the cheapest probed ones I can find instead it isn't hard to get as good as the 4 degree up or down of accurites.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

You need a heat source sooner than later. That said Ultratherm are better made than most and have a much lower max temp. This ultimately is safer if a pad cannot get dangerously hot if the thermostat fails.

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I just ordered one and a thermostat should be here by Friday. Thank you for the advice!